Spotlight Koh Tao 2023 – Amazing Thailand
World famous dive destination, Koh Tao aims to become a socially and environmentally responsible tourist destination through its tourism management and conservation and nature restoration activities.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with the Ko Tao Tourism Association organised the ‘Spotlight Koh Tao 2023’ fam trip to Ko Tao in Surat Thani province from 7-9 April 2023, in line with its ‘Reborn the Nature’ project and to drive forward its promotion of responsible tourism and meaningful travel experiences.
The Spotlight Ko Tao 2023 fam trip aimed to raise awareness among voluntourism sector, divers, and groups of tourists who value environmental responsibility, and lead to travel package sales that will generate local income and help revitalise Thai economy.
Participating in the trip were 68 media and influencers and entrepreneurs, and representatives of Asia and South Pacific travel businesses with a focus on creating responsible tourism trends.
The fam trip programme offered various conservation activities such as coral restoration, mooring buoy repairs, marine debris collection, coral surveying, building fish homes, and tree planting. Participants also had the opportunity to make ‘Sea Glass’ jewellery from bottle waste and broken glass, ‘CoCo Tie Dye Ko Tao’ fabric from coconut husks, ‘ECO PRINT’ fabric with leaves, and ‘Plas-Tao’ by turning plastic waste into new products. Other highlights of the trip included the Ko Tao Green market, Mini Dive & Adventure Expo, island-style sports, and trying the delicious local food.
Participants invited by TAT Sydney are a renowned underwater photographer – Jayne Jenkins and accomplished underwater cinematographer – Tom Park. During their time on Koh Tao, both have participated in some underwater marine conservation activities with Black Turtle Dive. They also spent a few nights on Ko Samui in which they have visited a few temples, Samui Elephant Sanctuary – the first ethical and award winning elephant sanctuary on Ko Samui, Hua Thanon Fisherman Village and Mu Ko Angthong Marine Park – one of the most beautiful marine parks in Thailand.
While in Koh Tao, both participated in marine conservation activities and sustainable workshops – and enjoyed several memorable dives, including the stunning Sail Rock. Topside, the pair also experienced conservation in action at Samui Elephant Sanctuary.
Surat Thani province including Ko Tao is a world-renowned destination for those wanting to learn to dive, and it is aiming to become a socially and environmentally responsible tourist destination through its tourism management and conservation and nature restoration activities.
This festival of the underwater world showcases the many responsible tourism and meaningful experiences in Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park.